Building Product Firms Reevaluating 1st Quarter
Philadelphia, PA, Apr. 4--Economic uncertainty, worries over war in Iraq, and February weather may dampen the first quarter performance of the nation's building product suppliers.
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Construction Spending Off 0.2% In February
Washington, D.C., April 1--Construction spending dipped by 0.2 percent in February, pulled down by a sharp drop in government outlays for big public works projects.
Coverings Draws 26,842 Despite War
North Palm Beach, FL, March 31—Ceramic and stone show Coverings 2003, held last week at Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida released preliminary attendance figures this weekend.
Economy Grows In First Quarter
Washington, DC, Apr. 25--The U.S. economy, frozen at the start of the year by war anxieties, still managed to grow at an annual rate of 1.6% in the first three months, according to the Commerce Department.
Dow Chemical's Profit Falls 28 Percent
Midland, MI, April 24--Dow Chemical Co. reported a nearly 28 percent drop in first quarter profits Thursday despite a surge in revenue, as increases in raw materials and energy costs ate into the bottom line.
Pergo AB’s Sales Down
Trelleborg, Sweden, April 22--Net sales for Sweden’s Pergo AB, excluding currency effects, were down 15% in the first quarter of this year to 679 million Swedish Krona from 905 million Krona in the first quarter of 2002.
3M Earnings Up Over 11 Percent
Chicago, IL, April 21--Industrial conglomerate 3M Co. said on Monday its quarterly earnings rose over 11 percent, helped by strong sales in its new displays and graphics division and by cost controls.
Consumer Prices Rise
Washington, DC, Apr. 16--Consumer prices rose 0.3% in March, largely reflecting higher energy costs. But most other prices were under control, suggesting the nation's inflation picture looks good.
Business Inventories Rise
Washington, DC, Apr. 14--Businesses' stockpiles of unsold goods rose in February as sales fell amid prewar jitters. According to the Commerce Department, business inventories went up 0.6% in February, compared with a 0.3% rise in January.
Producer Price Index Up
Washington, DC, Apr. 11-Wholesale prices rose 1.5% in March, according to the Labor Department. The increase reflected a jump in energy costs stoked by war tensions and sharply higher prices for cars and clothes.